Morenci city council 2011.12.21

FIREARMS—Morenci Chief of Police Larry Weeks explained to city council about a change in state law that allows for the sale of confiscated firearms.

The new law allows a police department to sell confiscated weapons rather than turn them over to the Michigan State Police. The guns can only be sold to a licensed firearms dealer and not to individuals.

The owners of the weapons, before they were confiscated, have 30 days from the time they’re posted on the city’s website, to claim them providing they can lawfully possess the gun.

Weeks said the department has more than 20 firearms collected from a period of many years.

Proceeds from the sale will go into the department’s equipment fund.

INSURANCE—Council approved a motion to allow permanent part-time staff and elected officials to buy into the city’s insurance plan by paying 100 percent of the cost.

FIRE DEPT.—Council approved Nicholas Skolmowski as a new member of the department.

Fire chief Chad Schisler said that another department is interested in purchasing nine of Morenci’s old radios that were recently replaced. The sale will bring in $900 which will be used to pay for engine repairs.

The department received a $1,200 grant from the DNR that will be used to replace miscellaneous equipment.

DEPARTMENT HEADS—Council approved Mayor Pennington’s selection of department heads, with no changes from the existing assignments.

NEXT MEETING—Due to the holidays, city council will not meet until Jan. 9.